Bird Group Makes Offer For Celtics... And More

[Way Of The Ray <wayray@ix.netcom.com>]

According to Jackie O on WEEI with Dennis and Callahan, a group
put together by Larry Bird made a serious offer to Paul Gaston to
purchase the team. No further information was provided, just that
Bird has a long stubborn streak and would never return to the Celtics
as long as Gaston is the owner, and despite the nasty things Bird said
about him, Gaston is first and foremost a businessman, so he would 
sell to the Bird group if it was financially lucrative.

Fortson: Jackie said he's playing so well at the moment that the C's 
have to make an effort to keep him.

Pitino: Four independent sources reported his interest in the New
Jersey job, so despite Pitino's denials there must have been
some interest. Jackie says if Gaston takes away Pitino's managerial
powers, Il Duce will look for a buy out and she still thinks he won't
be coaching the Celtics next season.

Chris Wallace: He's a nice guy, but he's never been given the clout 
here to make decisions. He offers recommendations to Pitino, and
Il Duce can choose to ignore them.

Ray